The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart,
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (Psalms 34:18)
My dad was one who habitually drove his vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, and after being caught asleep at a railroad crossing, he was placed in jail. After posting bail, he was given a date to appear in court before the judge. I attended that court session with him, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
My dad was a very proud and stubborn man who typically did things his own way, regardless of the consequences. He had been told on numerous occasions to discontinue this practice, but he always seemed to find ways to get around adhering to this advice. There was always an excuse. Read Proverbs 14:12.
But, as my proud and stubborn dad stood before that judge, I saw something that I had never seen before in him. He hung his head down, looking toward the floor with his baseball cap in hand, humbling himself under the authority of the court. He appeared to be “broken.”
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Webster defines the word “broken” as something torn or reduced to fragments. It refers to something that is weakened, not functioning properly or is out of order. Another synonym which scripturally helps to define the term is humility, and as we dig deeper into the topic, we’ll find the heart that God has concerning us.
We cannot come to God with pride in our hearts, for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Arrogance serves to prevent the will of the Lord from being fulfilled in our lives. It is diametrically opposed to everything that God is, for it is the reason that Satan was cast out of his place in heaven. And all those who follow that same example will suffer the same unfortunate fate.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19)
Jesus taught that, except we were converted and become as little children, we will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. He continued to say that “whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). This is the pattern that we must follow if we expect to receive anything from the Lord.
For those who are seeking the Lord for salvation, you must do so with a humble and grateful heart. If you will forsake your own desires and submit yourself unto the will of the Father, then the promises of God concerning you can come to fruition. Your demonstration of reverence through your obedience will lay a solid foundation for you in the kingdom of heaven. True repentance is an indication that the will of the old man has been broken in order that the new man might live.
“For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:16-17)
